ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Defence
Maharashtra Governor Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari inaugurates Merchant Navy Week
Merchant Navy Week will be celebrated to highlight the role and to promote the development of the Shipping Industry : Director General of Shipping and Chairman NMDC
The delegation of Central National Maritime Day Celebrations Committee  headed by Shri Amitabh Kumar, Director General of Shipping and Chairman NMDC  Committee visited Governor of Maharashtra, Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari, for Flag Pining Ceremony and to commemorate the beginning of Merchant Navy Week starting from 31st March to 05th April, 2021 at Raj Bhavan, Mumbai.
Shri Amitabh Kumar felicitated the Governor by pinning the first miniature flag on his wearing apparel and sought his blessings for starting of the weeklong celebrations.
While interacting with the delegates, the Hon’ble Governor elaborated the vast maritime history of India and stressed upon the importance of the merchant navy for maintaining the supply chain in India during the challenging Covid time too. He expressed his deep concerns for the maritime education in India and safety and security of the Seafarers at sea. He gave his greetings and best wishes to NMDC  Committee, all the stakeholders of maritime industry and Seafarers for celebration of the Merchant Navy week ahead.
Shri Kumar informed that, “Since 1964, National Maritime Day is celebrated on 5th April as on this day in 1919, the first Indian Steamship “S.S. LOYALTY” of M/s. Scindia Steam, Navigation Co. Ltd., Mumbai, ventured into International Water on her maiden voyage from Mumbai to London . This year Merchant Navy Week will be celebrated to highlight the role and to promote the development of the Shipping Industry in all its aspects by diffusion of knowledge and information to the public and to recognize the services of seafarers and services of any other persons connected in promotion and development of National shipping Industry and other allied matters.”
Shri Kumar also gave detailed account of the merchant marine infrastructure of India and various recent developments and progress made in the maritime sector. He informed that various functions like webinar on the ‘Sustainable Shipping beyond covid 19’& ‘Maritime History of India’ will be organized on 1st and 3rd April respectively. The grand finale event will be celebrated on 5th April, 2021. During this celebration, various awards will be conferred on the meritorious Persons and Institutions in Maritime sector.
The officers from Directorate General of Shipping , Shipping Corporation of India and heads of various Unions in the maritime sector attended the programme.
The NMDC is set up for organizing and co-coordinating various programmes for the celebrations of the National Maritime Day/Merchant Navy Flag Day. The Committee consists of representatives of Ship Owners, Seafarers, Port Trusts, Maritime State Governments, and Ministry of Ports , Shipping and Waterways , etc.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Electric Vehicles
Ministry of Heavy Industries has taken following initiatives to promote use of Electric vehicles  in the country: -
- Launched the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of  Electric Vehicles in India  Scheme in 2015 and presently, Phase-II of FAME India Scheme is being implemented for a period of 5 years w.e.f. 01st April, 2019 with a total budgetary support of Rs. 10,000 crores. FAME II focuses on supporting electrification of public and shared transportation through subsidies to 7,090 e-Buses, 5 lakh e-3 Wheelers, 55,000 e-4 Wheeler Passenger Cars and 10 lakh e-2 Wheelers.
- The Government on 12th May, 2021 approved a Production Linked Incentive  scheme for manufacturing of Advanced Chemistry Cell  in the country in order to bring down prices of battery in the country. Drop in battery price will result in cost reduction of electric vehicles.
- Electric Vehicles are covered under Production Linked Incentive  scheme for Automobile and Auto Components, which was approved on 15th September 2021 with a budgetary outlay of Rs. 25,938 crores for a period of five years.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has taken following initiatives to promote use of Electric vehicles  in the country: -
1. Battery Operated Transport Vehicles have been granted exemption from the requirements of permit, vide S.O. 5333 dated 18th October, 2018.
2. Battery Operated Vehicles have been granted exemption from the payment of fees for the purpose of issue or renewal of registration certificate and assignment of new registration mark vide GSR 525 dated 2nd August, 2021.
3. All India Tourist Permit is issued for battery operated vehicles without payment of permit fee vide GSR 302 dated 18th April, 2023.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari in a written reply to the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Steel
NMDC celebrates United India for Swachhata at Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh
Campaigning for Government of India’s Swachh Bharat Mission ,National Miner NMDC organized a Swachhata Event at Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh from September 27-29,2022.
Celebrating a United India for Swachhata, as part of the ongoing Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, NMDC led the cleanliness movement at the Heritage Site Sanchi Stupa.
Ministers from Madhya Pradesh Government Shri Tulsi Silawat, Water Resource Minister; Dr Prabhuram Choudhary, Public Health and Family Welfare Minister and Shri Bharat Singh Kushwah Horticulture and Food Processing Minister supported NMDC’s Swachhata Campaign with their presence.
Swachhata Karmis, Local Representatives, District Officials and NMDC employees committed to India’s drive for cleanliness by taking the Swachhata Oath and commenced the Cleanliness Drive at Sanchi Stupa. NMDC arranged for the installation of an RO Water Cooler at the Stupa and provided 50 Wet and Dry Dustbins to the Nagar Parishad of Sanchi to support the cleanliness campaign of this Swachh Iconic Place. Representatives from the Government of Madhya Pradesh distributed 100 Swachhta Kits, containing Jackets, Gloves, Caps, and Jute Bags, to the Swachhata Karmis of Sanchi.
Honouring Mahatma Gandhi vision for India, NMDC will participate in the Swachhata 2.0 campaign from October 2 - 31, 2022. The mining major has planned large-scale Swachhata, Plantation and Awareness drives to celebrate the National Cleanliness Movement.
Ministry of Finance
FM holds 6th Pre-Budget Consultation with prominent Industrialists
Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman held her 6th Pre-Budget Consultation with leading Industrialists here today in connection with the forthcoming General Budget 2020-21.
Along with the Union Finance Minister, the meeting was attended by Shri Anurag Singh, Thakur, Union Minister of State for Finance & Corporate Affairs; Shri Rajeev Kumar, Finance Secretary; Shri Injeti Srinivas, Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Secretary; Shri Atanu Chakraborty, Secretary, DEA; Shri Ajay Bhushan Pandey, Revenue Secretary; Shri Tuhin Kant Pandey, Secretary, DIPAM, Shri Guruprasad Mohapatra, Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade ; Shri Amit Yadav, DG, Directorate General of Foreign Trade; Shri Pramod Chandra Mody, Chairman, CBDT; Dr K.V. Subramanian, Chief Economic Adviser besides many senior officials of the Ministry of Finance.
During interactive session lasting over 2 hours , prominent Industrialists spoke about improving regulatory environment to safeguard investments through Ease of Doing Business, increasing export competitiveness, reviving private investment and kick-starting growth of economy.
Industrialists suggested many ways to boost the rural economy, especially ways to increase consumption. Other suggestions included ideas to improve IBC in relation to NCLTs and banks; faster mergers, acquisitions & demergers processes , ways to reduce time for FDI approval; structural changes in laws for effective and stable business environment; time-bound decisions for augmenting Ease of Doing Business both at Central & State levels; new investment of capital for building infrastructure; CAPEX for infrastructure to boost economy; preventing predatory pricing and dumping in India; facilitating R&D in India to boost Make in India; harnessing Public-Private-Partnership  by leveraging social funding through a new programme; ensuring liquidity for NBFCs with focus on rural economy and ways to increase consumption in economy.
Leading Industrialists who participated in the Pre-Budget meeting included Shri Sunil Bhrati Mittal, Founder & Chairman of Bharti Enterprises; Shri B.V.N. Rao, Business Chairman, GMR Group; Shri Vipin Sondhi, Managing Director and CEO, Ashok Leyland Ltd.; Shri Sanjiv Goenka, Chairman, RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group; Shri Jatin Dalal, Global Chief Financial Officer , Wipro Ltd.; Shri Manoj Chugh, President, Group Public Affairs and Member-Group Executive Board, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.; Shri Ravi Raheja, Group President, K Raheja Corp Group; Acharya Balkrishan , Chairman Patanjali Ayurved Ltd.; Shri Vikram Kirloskar, President, CII; Shri Sandip Somany, President, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry ; Shri Balkrishan Goenka, President, ASSOCHAM among others.
Ministry of Development of North-East Region
Union Minister Dr.Jitendra Singh interacts with NERAMAC officials and FPOs
Agro Sector in N-E Region is crucial for post COVID Economy ofIndia:Dr Jitendra Singh
Dr.Jitendra Singh asks NERAMAC to prepare a roadmap shortlyto make it a Profitable Enterprise.
Union Minister of State  Development of North Eastern Region , MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today said that Agro Sector in North Eastern Region is crucial for post COVID Economy of India. Interacting with North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Limited  officials and Groups of Farmers, he said that many Business Houses are looking at the N-E region to exploit its vast agro-farming resources and we should not miss this opportunity. He said that lucrative offers for setting up industries like Fruit Concentrates and Fruit juice plants were received and the same can be executed at the earliest.
Dr.Jitendra Singh asked NERAMAC to become a profitable enterprise in the post COVID era by identifying unique products and through their branding and sale in markets outside N-E region to the rest of India. He also asked NERAMAC to come out with a roadmap for the same within a week.
DrJitendra Singh said that supporting the farmers at this crucial junction will be a win-win arrangement for NERAMAC, Farmers organizations, N-E region and the whole of India. He said, when Centre is forthcoming, Society is ready, Country is yearning for change and Business Houses are keen to invest in North Eastern Agro farming sector in a big way, it will certainly help in post COVID Economic Recovery of India.
Referring to abundance of fresh and exotic fruits, spices and other unique agro products like Black Rice, the Union Minister said that NERAMAC should become a hub of Agri-Horti sector in the region and help farmers to enhance their income. He praised NERAMAC for helping the farmers through procurement during the lockdown period and thus avoiding distress sales, but asked the organization to scale up their operations. He also noted with optimism that the turnover of NERAMAC has increased from Rs 2 Crore in 2018-19 to Rs 20 Crore in 2019-20 and asked them to achieve a target of Rs 200 Crore in the next five years.
Secretary, Ministry of DoNER, Dr.Inderjit Singh, Secretary NEC, Sh. Moses K Chalai, Chairman of NERAMACShriSaurabhEndley and other senior officers of the Department attended the meet through Video Conference.
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Prime Minister's Office
Sr. Gen. U Min Aung Hliang, Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Defence Services calls on PM
Sr. Gen. U Min Aung Hliang, Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Defence Services calls on PM
Sr. Gen. U Min Aung Hliang, Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Defence Services called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi today.
Condemning the recent terrorist attack on pilgrims of Amarnath Yatra, Sr. Gen. U Min Aung Hliang expressed his sincere condolences for the victims of the attack.
The Prime Minister conveyed his condolences at the loss of lives of Myanmar armed forces personnel and their families in the tragic air crash of 7 June 2017.
Sr. Gen. U Min Aung Hliang briefed the Prime Minister about bilateral defence and security cooperation. The Prime Minister appreciated the close cooperation between the Armed forces of India and Myanmar.
The Prime Minister said that Myanmar is a key pillar of India’s “Act East” Policy, and expressed his firm commitment to strengthen the bilateral relationship in all areas.
President's Secretariat
Civic reception hosted in honour of the President in Thiruvananthapuram
The President of India, Shri Ram NathKovind, addressed a civic reception hosted for him at Tagore Theatre, Thiruvananthapuram today .
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that historically Kerala is a land of spiritualism, with a tradition of spiritual leadership and social reform extending from AdiShankaracharya to Sri Narayana Guru to Ayyankali and so many others.
The President said that Kerala’s traditions and thinking have been humanistic, people-oriented and democratic. The emphasis on human development and on health-care and education in Kerala has set an example for the rest of the country. In sanitation, Kerala’s achievements are praiseworthy. In local self-government and panchayati raj, again Kerala has deepened our democracy.
The President said that not only are the people of Kerala educated and knowledgeable, they are willing to use that education and knowledge to venture out and to help build our nation and to contribute to the well-being and the prosperity of other regions.
The President said that today, Kerala continues to attract the international community. This beautiful state is one of India’s leading tourism destinations. He stated that just as outsiders have flocked to Kerala, Kerala’s people too have ventured out of their home state and contributed to the world. The Malayalee migrant community is the backbone of the work-force of so many Gulf States. And it faithfully sends back remittances to help in the development of Kerala and of India.
Earlier in the day, the President paid tributes to social reformer Ayyankali by garlanding his statue in Thiruvananthapuram. He also launched the Technocity project and laid the foundation stone for the first government building in Technocity in Thiruvananthapuram. Tomorrow, he will grace the valedictory function of the diamond jubilee celebrations of High Court of Kerala in Kochi before returning to Delhi.
Ministry of Finance
Cabinet approves protocol amending the Convention between India and Brazil for the avoidance of double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income
he Union Cabinet Chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the signing of the Protocol amending the Convention between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income.
Implementation Strategy and Targets:
After Cabinet approval, necessary formalities for bringing the Protocol into force will be completed. Implementation would be watched and reported by the Ministry.
Major impact:
Through updation of the Double Taxation Avoidance Convention’s  provisions to international standards, the Amending Protocol between India and the Federative Republic of Brazil will facilitate elimination of double taxation. Clear allocation of taxing rights between Contracting States through DTAC will provide tax certainty to investors & businesses of both countries. The Amending Protocol will augment the flow of investment through lowering of tax rates in source State on interest, royalties and fees for technical services. The Amending Protocol implements minimum standards and other recommendations of G-20 OECD Base Erosion Profit Shifting  Project. Inclusion of Preamble Text, a Principal Purpose Test, a general anti abuse provision in the DTAC along with a Simplified Limitation of Benefits Clause as per BEPS Project will result in curbing of tax planning strategies which exploit gaps and mismatches in tax rules
Point-wise details:
a. The existing DTAC between India and Brazil was signed on 26th April, 1988 and was amended through a Protocol signed on 15th October 2013 in respect of exchange of information. Through the present Protocol, the DTAC has been amended on various other aspects.
b. The amended DTAC also implements the minimum standards as well as other recommendations of the G-20 OECD Base Erosion and Profit Shifting  Project.
Background:
The existing Double Taxation Avoidance Convention  between India and Brazil being very old was required to be amended to bring it in line with international developments and also to implement the recommendations contained in the G20 OECD Base Erosion and Profit Shifting Project .
Prime Minister's Office
PM meets Bill Gates
My conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi left me more optimistic than ever about the progress that India is making in health, development, and climate: Bill Gates
Prime Minister Modi believes that Co-WIN is a model for the world, and I agree: Bill Gates
India is showing what’s possible when we invest in innovation : Bill Gates
The Prime MInister, Shri Narendra Modi met Mr Bill Gates on Friday in New Delhi.
In response to a tweet by Mr Gates, where he shared his ‘Note’ on his recent visit to India, the Prime Minister tweeted:
“Delighted to meet @BillGates and have extensive discussions on key issues. His humility and passion to create a better as well as more sustainable planet are clearly visible.”
In his ‘dispatch’, Mr Gates said “I’ve been in India this week, learning about the innovative work going on here in health, climate change, and other crucial areas. At a time when the world has so many challenges, it’s inspiring to visit a dynamic and creative place like India.”
Terming his meeting with the Prime Minister the highlight of his visit, Mr Gates said “Prime Minister Modi and I have stayed in touch, especially about developing COVID-19 vaccines and investing in India’s health systems. India has an amazing ability to manufacture lots of safe, effective, and affordable vaccines, some of them supported by the Gates Foundation. Vaccines produced in India have saved millions of lives during the pandemic and prevented other diseases around the world.”
He dwelled on India's handling of the pandemic and said “in addition to producing new life saving tools, India also excels at delivering them—its public health system has delivered more than 2.2 billion doses of COVID vaccines. They created an open-source platform called Co-WIN, which allowed people to schedule billions of vaccine appointments and delivered digital certifications for those who were vaccinated. This platform is now being expanded to support India’s universal immunization program. Prime Minister Modi believes that Co-WIN is a model for the world, and I agree.”
Bill Gates praised India’s stride in digital payments and said “India was also able to transfer emergency digital payments to 300 million people, including 200 million women, during the pandemic. This was only possible because India has made financial inclusion a priority, investing in a digital ID system  and creating innovative platforms for digital banking. It’s a reminder that financial inclusion is a fantastic investment.”
Mr Gates ‘dispatch’ also talks about India’s achievements such as PM Gatishakti Masterplan, G20 presidency, education, innovation, fighting diseases and push to Millets.
Mr Gates concluded “My conversation with the Prime Minister left me more optimistic than ever about the progress that India is making in health, development, and climate. The country is showing what’s possible when we invest in innovation. I hope India will continue this progress and share its innovations with the world.”
Ministry of Mines
Enhancement of Royalty on minerals
The rates of royalty for the minerals iron ore, chromite ore, and non-metallurgical grade bauxite are fixed on ad valorem basis as a percentage of the Average Sale Price. The rate of royalty for metallurgical grade bauxite is fixed as a percentage of London Metal Exchange  Aliminium metal price chargeable on the contained aluminium metal in ore produced for those dispatched for use in alumina and aluminium metal extraction. Hence the increasing value of minerals as per the market / LME is automatically captured in the ad valorem rates as royalty is fixed as a percentage of the value of minerals.
Royalty rates were last revised on 01.09.2014. The rates of royalty on minerals are revised from time to time under Section 9 of the Mines and Minerals  Act, 1957.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Civil Aviation
5th Helicopter & Small Aircraft Summit to be organised on 25th July at Khajuraho, MP
- The Summit will be inaugurated by Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Union Minister of Civil Aviation & Steel
- The objective of the summit includes enhancing the scope of the UDAN scheme in remote & hilly terrains
The 5th Helicopter & Small Aircraft Summit is to be jointly organised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Pawan Hans Ltd. and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry  on 25th July 2023 in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. The event's theme is "Reaching the Last Mile: Regional Connectivity through Helicopters & Small Aircraft". It will be inaugurated by Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Union Minister of Civil Aviation & Steel. The event format includes an inaugural session followed by a technical session.
The broad objectives of the Summit are:
- Provide a common platform for all industry stakeholders, and policymakers to discuss the growth story of the Indian Helicopter and Small Aircraft industry.
- Enhance the scope of the UDAN Scheme in remote and hilly terrains and expand the country's rural to urban connectivity.
- Boost Helicopter & Small Aircraft connectivity to places with existing and potential tourism hotspots by providing uninterrupted services.
Helicopters and small aircraft play integral roles in India's transportation ecosystem. Civilian helicopters contribute to improved accessibility, particularly in remote areas, while offering tremendous potential for tourism, allowing travellers to experience scenic landscapes and cultural destinations in unique ways. Other roles of helicopter service include emergency medical services and disaster management during floods, rescue operations etc.
Similarly, small aircrafts provide efficient and convenient transportation options for business and leisure travellers, enhancing regional air connectivity and promoting the exploration of lesser-known destinations. The aviation and tourism industries mutually benefit from each other, fostering employment opportunities and driving economic growth across the country.
The Summit comes at a crucial time when the Indian civil aviation industry is undergoing a paradigm transformation. The sector has now become the need of the hour not only for India but for humankind across the world as it always brings with it two important multipliers- the economic multiplier and the employment multiplier.
The 5th Heli Summit will bring industry stakeholders together to engage and collaborate with policymakers to implement efficient and rational decisions that would boost India’s civil aviation industry further.
Teaser on the 5th Helicopter & Small Aircraft Summit can be watched here:
https://twitter.com/MoCA_GoI/status/1682617297276370944?s=20
Information about the 4th Heli-India Summit 2022 can be read here:
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1866510